Strange But True

Strange but True

Oddball provocateur Jad Fair (who, with brother David, formed the late-’80s noise machine Half Japanese) finds the perfect showcase for his idiosyncratic talents. His plaintive delivery of lyrics David ”borrowed” from tabloid headlines is strangely affecting — but instead of the grating tonelessness of his old band, Fair is backed on Strange But True by the supple chops of Yo La Tengo, who smooth his rough edges without losing their peculiar charms. And how can you resist a song titled ”Helpful Monkey Wallpapers Entire House”? B